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Chic and Simple Sewing: You're So Shifty Dress

I completed this dress in early January, using $1.50/yd fabric. I'm not sure of the fabric make-up, but it has an interesting texture; I can't quite put my finger on it. Anyway, the pattern is from Christine Haynes' Chic and Simple Sewing*, which includes a variety of dress, top, and jacket patterns, all of which do not require zippers or other fasteners.

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I think this dress has an interesting neckline design in spite of its overall simplicity. However, upon completion of the dress, I found the actual thing kind of shapeless, so I inserted a casing for elastic at the waist, which is concealed by the belt on the mannequin. I think the elastic gives the dress better shape, so I will likely do the same for future dresses made with the pattern.

This pattern was relatively quick to whip up. There are only 6 pattern pieces (dress front and back, and two sets of front and back yoke pieces) and bias tape involved in assembly. I probably finished cutting and sewing in about four hours. Not bad if you want a new dress in a jiffy!

Janelle is a San Diego native with a passion for creative pursuit. She has a scholastic background in Psychology and Fashion Design, which she channels into a passion for design, drawing, storytelling, and sharing these passions with others.

The Dear Daydream Philosophy

Janelle explores the broad topic of "Creating a beautiful life" - she discusses the significance of building healthy relationships, reflects upon what makes this life tragic and divine, and encourages the pursuit of activities that inspire wonder and creativity (especially activities like sewing, drawing, and writing).